William A. Gallmeister

William Ardell Gallmeister, 86, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Angel River Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on October 14, 1924 in DuQuoin, Illinois, the son of William Karl and Marie Gallmeister of Essen Germany. Bill graduated from DuQuoin High School. He attended University of Alabama, and Harvard Business School where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Emily (Buchanan) Gallmeister; son, William Andrew Gallmeister (Ellen) of Evansville; daughter, Amy Lea Gallmeister Stewart (Jim) of Evansville; son, John Carl Gallmeister of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Alexander William Stewart, Samuel James Stewart, Carly Ardell Gallmeister, William August Gallmeister, Lillian Bernadine Gallmeister; brother, Eugene Gallmeister (Dorothy); sister, Mary Gallmeister Norton (Dave); and many nieces and nephews. Bill served in the US Army serving WWII as a German Interpreter. After the war, he worked in Evansville for Servel and later Mead Johnson in purchasing up to the level of Director. He retired in 1987. He enjoyed photography, building scale models of all forms of transportation, especially aviation. He also loved music and singing, international geography, and travel. Bill was Past Grand Master of Masons of Indiana in 1990-1991. He was Past Master of Lessing Lodge #464, he was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, York Rite, Hadi Shriners, where he was a charter member of the Chanters. Bill was the Worshipful Master of the Lessing Lodge. He also achieved the 33rd Masonic Degree. He was also active in the following Masonic groups: Red Cross of Constantine, Sojourners, Rosicrucian, York Rite College, Royal Order of Scotland, DeMolay Foundation, Indiana Masonic Home-Board of Directors, and Masonic Service Association. Bill was active in many civic organizations including the following: Historic New Harmony Foundation, National Association of Purchasing Management, United Way of Southern Indiana, where he served as Chairman and Director, Boy Scouts, EPI-HAB, Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire, and Admiral Nebraska Navy. He was also an active member of St. John’s UCC, including President of Church Council. Services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Alexander North Chapel, officiated by Rev. John Branam with burial at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Vanderburgh County Retired Memorial Club will perform a graveside service. Friends may visit Wednesday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander North Chapel and on Thursday from 10:00 AM until service time. Masonic services will begin at 6:30 PM Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-State Food Bank or Hadi Shriners Transportation Fund.